Party of one

I am that girl that goes out to lunch and to movies alone. And even though I get those strange looks from strangers and passersby, I love it.

It all started with attending ART Milwaukee events. As an intern/volunteer, I knew a couple of faces but always recruited a friend to tag along with me. But when my regular ART Jamboree partner was out of town, I decided that I'd go alone. Just that once.

But that one time, I met dozens of new friends. As I'd check in with people I'd already met, they'd introduce me to each new circle of friends they were chatting with. And it just continued to snowball from there. Not only was I meeting new friends but I was more inclined to reach out to people I'd lost touch with. It was the break in my routine that I needed.

While the buddy system is great for getting home safe and making sure someone doesn't spike your drink, it also hinders you from experiencing moments to their fullest potential. If you hang out with the same crowd, drink the same cocktail, and follow the same bands weekend after weekend you stop growing.

When you go to events alone, you get swept up in the energy and excitement of the crowd without having to look to the friends at your side for approval. You find yourself trying new things without giving it a second thought.

And after a little practice, you find yourself more comfortable alone than when surrounded by familiar faces. You enjoy experiences for yourself and appreciate your alone time more.